Jacob Kiper

In June 2026, Swisher, Iowa’s Cedar Ridge Distillery unveiled its oldest whiskey to date, a release from Master Distiller and Master Blender Murphy Quint titled Nine & Three Quarters Rye Whiskey. At first glance, the name almost invites thoughts of Platform 9¾ from the Harry Potter series, the fictional gateway at London’s King’s Cross Station reserved for witches and wizards. Cedar Ridge has never made that connection, and the title is far more literal than literary.

Maple syrup barrel-finished bourbon has become increasingly common over the past several years. In most instances, bourbon is transferred into used maple syrup barrels, and consumers may be told which maple producer supplied those barrels. Beyond that, there has been little movement in the category. Finding a maple-finished bourbon that offers something outside the usual playbook can be almost as difficult as finding Sasquatch itself. Stories of Sasquatch sightings have circulated for generations.

Located along the main strip in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Sugarlands Distilling Company opened its flagship distillery in March 2014. Serious whiskey drinkers may know the company for the straight rye whiskey released under its Roaming Man label, but among the crowds that pass through its doors each year, Sugarlands is best known for an extensive lineup of flavored moonshines.